The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differential effects of two external search strategies on radical innovation (RI) and incremental innovation (II) and explore the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differential effects of two external search strategies on radical innovation (RI) and incremental innovation (II) and explore the mediating role of knowledge integration capability (KIC).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on the data collected from a sample of 241 firms from Chinese electronic information industry. The author conducted a hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS and PROCESS to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results showed that both external search breadth and depth have positive effects on RI/II performance. The author also found that the effect of search breadth on RI is greater than that on II, and the effect of search depth on RI is less than that on II. Moreover, the author discovered that KIC fully or partially mediates the relationship between external search strategies and RI/II.
Originality/value
The paper provides a finer grained understanding concerning the difference in the impacts of the two external search strategies on RI/II performance. The paper also adds to the existing literature by explaining the path in which external knowledge search influences RI/II through the mediation effect of KIC.
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Shutao Li, Xin Bao, Jingbo Liu, Fei Wang and Dong Wang
When explicit integral analysis is performed on a numerical model with viscoelastic artificial boundary elements, an instability phenomenon is likely to occur in the boundary…
Abstract
Purpose
When explicit integral analysis is performed on a numerical model with viscoelastic artificial boundary elements, an instability phenomenon is likely to occur in the boundary area, reducing the computational efficiency of the numerical calculation and limiting the use of viscoelastic artificial boundary elements in the explicit dynamic analysis of large-scale engineering sites. The main purpose of this study is to improve the stability condition of viscoelastic artificial boundary elements.
Design/methodology/approach
A stability analysis method based on local subsystems was adopted to analyze and improve the stability conditions of three-dimensional (3D) viscoelastic artificial boundary elements. Typical boundary subsystems that can represent the localized characteristics of the overall model were established, and their analytical stability conditions were derived with an analysis based on the spectral radius of the transfer matrix. Then, after analyzing the influence of each physical parameter on the analytical-stability conditions, a method for improving the stability condition of the explicit algorithm by increasing the mass density of the artificial boundary elements was proposed.
Findings
Numerical wave propagation simulations in uniform and layered half-space models show that, on the premise of ensuring the accuracy of the viscoelastic artificial boundary, the proposed method can effectively improve the numerical stability and the efficiency of the explicit dynamic calculations for the overall system.
Originality/value
The stability improvement method proposed in this study are significant for improving the applicability of viscoelastic artificial boundary elements in explicit dynamic calculations and the calculation efficiency of wave analysis at large-scale engineering sites.
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Jia-Bao Liu, Morteza Bayati, Mazhar Abbas, Alireza Rahimi and Mohammad Naderi
The lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate the nanofluid flow and heat transfer inside a finned multi-pipe heat exchanger.
Abstract
Purpose
The lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate the nanofluid flow and heat transfer inside a finned multi-pipe heat exchanger.
Design/methodology/approach
The heat exchanger is filled with CuO-water nanofluid. The Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li (KKL) model is used to estimate the dynamic viscosity and considering the Brownian motion in the simulation. On the other hand, the influence of nanoparticles’ shapes on the heat transfer rate is considered, and the best efficient shape is selected to be used in the investigation.
Findings
The Rayleigh number, nanoparticle concentration and the thermal arrangements of internal active fins and bodies are the governing parameters. In addition, the impacts of these two parameters on the nanofluid flow, heat transfer rate, local and total entropy generation and heatline visualization are analyzed, comprehensively.
Originality/value
The originality of this work is using of lattice Boltzmann method for simulation of nanofluid flow and heat transfer during natural convection in a heat exchanger. Furthermore, influence of the shape of nanoparticles on the thermo-physical properties of nanofluid is analyzed using Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li correlation.
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Susanne Knoll, Antônio Domingos Padula, Julio Otávio Jardim Barcellos, Guilherme Pumi, Shudong Zhou and Funing Zhong
The purpose of this paper is to identify Brazilian and Chinese cultural, managerial and negotiation factors that can influence the beef trade between the two countries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify Brazilian and Chinese cultural, managerial and negotiation factors that can influence the beef trade between the two countries.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a matrix based on reliable secondary sources was established created upon indicators of economic, financial, policy, administrative, cultural, demographic, knowledge, global connectedness and geographic distance between the two countries. This was combined with primary data from interviews conducted with two key stakeholders of the supply chain, namely, the Brazilian agricultural attaché to China, and the director of Apex-Brasil. The results were analysed in a qualitative descriptive manner.
Findings
Cultural and political distances between Brazil and China are the most profound origins of challenges in negotiations on both the private and public level.
Research limitations/implications
The interviews were limited in number and to the Brazilian portion of agents involved in the beef trade (diplomats and APEX representative). The low number of interviews might be a limiting factor of the investigation. However, the interviewees’ key position in the supply chain and data triangulation with secondary sources equilibrates the results’ trustworthiness.
Social implications
China and Brazil are becoming important players in the international market. Brazil has become a leader in the production and export of agricultural commodities. Brazil is the first producer or the second exporter of coffee, soybean, ethanol, poultry, sugar and beef. In 2009, China became Brazil’s top partner in trade (Xi, 2016). In 2015, Brazil exported $35.6bn to and imported $30.7bn from China. In the foreseeable future China will continue to be the most dynamic economy worldwide. This trade dynamic can be a source of opportunities for Chinese and Brazilian enterprises.
Originality/value
Information collected and conclusions drawn from the research are unique in scientific and management literature related to this specific topic, and can be of great value for stakeholders, traders and diplomats in the Sino-Brazilian trade.
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Pengyang Li, Qiang Chen, Qingyu Peng and Xiaodong He
This paper aims to study the synergistic effect of graphene sponge on the thermal properties and shape stability of composite phase change material (PCM).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the synergistic effect of graphene sponge on the thermal properties and shape stability of composite phase change material (PCM).
Design/methodology/approach
Graphene oxide sponge is first prepared from an aqueous solution of graphene oxide by freeze-drying method. The oxidized graphene sponge is reduced by hydrazine hydrate. Finally, use vacuum impregnation method to introduce paraffin into graphene sponge to prepare composite PCM.
Findings
Graphene sponge is used to improve the shape stability of paraffin wax and improves the thermal conductivity and latent heat of the composite PCM. The thermal conductivity increases by 200 per cent and the composite PCM has excellent reliability in 100 melt-freezing cycles.
Research limitations/implications
A simple way for fabricating composite PCM with high thermal conductivity and latent heat which has the potential to be used as thermal storage materials without container encapsulation has been developed by using graphene sponge and paraffin.
Originality/value
The materials and preparation methods with special structure and properties in this paper provide a new idea for the research of PCM, which can be widely used in the fields of energy conversion and storage.
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Eddie Chamisa, Musa Mangena and Guanlan Ye
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative value relevance of accounting measures based on Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) and International Financial Reporting…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative value relevance of accounting measures based on Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in relation to both A‐share and B‐share markets during three distinct phases (1994‐1997, 1998‐2000 and 2001‐2004) over which CAS were progressively harmonized with IFRS.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data for 86 Chinese listed companies which issued both A‐ and B‐shares, the authors employ the price model to test for the association between CAS‐based and IFRS‐based accounting information, and A‐share and B‐share prices. The J‐test was employed to determine the relative value relevance of the information based on the two sets of accounting standards.
Findings
Overall, the authors find that for both the A‐share and B‐share markets, both CAS‐based and IFRS‐based accounting information are value relevant, but IFRS‐based information is more value relevant than the CAS‐based information. However, the magnitude of the differences between the explanatory powers of the CAS‐ and IFRS‐based accounting information narrowed significantly in the 2001‐2004 period in both the A‐share and B‐share markets. The results are robust to the deflator used and the stock exchange on which the companies are listed.
Practical implications
The results have implications for China and other transitional economies attempting to integrate IFRS with a uniform accounting system.
Originality/value
The paper provides the first comprehensive empirical evidence as to whether or not the progressive harmonization of CAS with IFRS improved the value relevance of CAS‐based accounting in China and contributes to the debate on the (ir)relevance of IFRS in emerging and transitional economies.
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Dong Liu, Yongchuan Bao and Guocai Wang
The purpose of this study is to examine how formal contracts affect alliance innovation performance. To understand the mechanism underlying the impact, this study tests whether…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how formal contracts affect alliance innovation performance. To understand the mechanism underlying the impact, this study tests whether relationship learning mediates the impact of formal contracts on alliance innovation performance and how guanxi moderates the mediating effect.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is conducted with a sample of 225 manufacturers in China. This paper used hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses and used the PROCESS method to test the mediating effect of relationship learning.
Findings
Formal contracts positively affect relationship learning, which facilitates alliance innovation performance. Guanxi positively moderates the effect of formal contracts on alliance innovation performance. Relationship learning mediates the relationship between formal contracts and alliance innovation performance. Moreover, guanxi positively moderates the mediating effect.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could investigate factors moderating the effect of guanxi on alliance innovation performance and moderating the effect of relationship learning on alliance innovation performance. Future research can also use secondary data to measure alliance innovation performance. Future researchers can examine how guanxi as a relational mechanism governance affects relationship learning.
Practical implications
Managers should conduct relationship learning in the process of alliance innovation and realize that reducing opportunism does not mean improving innovation performance. Moreover, managers should know that guanxi could contribute to alliance innovation performance with the help of formal contracts.
Originality/value
Prior studies have mainly focused on the fundamental requirement of governing knowledge exchange in alliances. Little is known about the mediating effect of relationship learning on the relationship between formal contracts and outcomes of innovation alliances. This study contributes to the literature by filling the gap.
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Jingyu Cao, Jiusheng Bao, Yan Yin, Cheng Liu, Xiaolong Wang and Jiao Yang
This study aims to develop a large gap nanomagnetic liquid sealing technology to address the problems of significant deformation, vibration, and radial oscillation caused by harsh…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a large gap nanomagnetic liquid sealing technology to address the problems of significant deformation, vibration, and radial oscillation caused by harsh working conditions such as low assembly and processing accuracy, heavy load, and high speed in mechanical equipment.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the principle of magnetic liquid sealing structure, a large gap magnetic fluid sealing scheme based on axial and radial distribution was proposed, equipped with self-made silicone oil–based magnetic fluid. Taking the common roller in mining equipment as an example, sealing performance tests were conducted using a mining roller running resistance test bench in the simulated underground environment.
Findings
In routine environmental tests, the running resistance of the new magnetic liquid sealing roller is reduced by an average of 7.6% and 34.3% compared to the labyrinth sealing roller, respectively; In long-term environmental tests, the running resistance of the new magnetic liquid sealing roller decreased by an average of 16.2% compared to the labyrinth sealing roller, it is recommended to equip it with self-made silicone oil–based magnetic fluid; In vibration environmental tests, the running resistance of the new magnetic liquid sealing roller is more stable compared to the magnetic liquid sealing roller with only axial distribution.
Originality/value
The research results have important theoretical and practical value in compensating for the shortcomings of magnetic fluid sealing structure and expanding the application fields of magnetic fluid.
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Ernestina Mawushie Amewornu and Nnamdi I. Nwulu
This research studies the impact of introducing distributed generators (DGs) into a distribution network. The aim of this paper is to optimally site DGs based on economic…
Abstract
Purpose
This research studies the impact of introducing distributed generators (DGs) into a distribution network. The aim of this paper is to optimally site DGs based on economic, environmental and reliability indices are presented.
Design/methodology/approach
The considered network was modelled by using the network’s line parameters and capacity of the load bus with the help of Power System Analysis Toolbox. The location of the DG is based on voltage stability index and power loss reduction index. The DG energy sources considered are the diesel generator, solar photo-voltaic (PV) and wind generator, and the objectives were to minimize cumulative cost while maximizing reliability of the network. The Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modelling System was used for the mathematical modelling.
Findings
The obtained results in the cases of introducing renewable energy into a network improves network performance. The benefits of renewable energy on the distribution network measured in terms of electricity production cost, gas emission cost, fuel cost and value of energy not supplied were positive. The research also showed that the total benefit of renewable energy reduces as the price of the renewable generators increases.
Originality/value
This paper introduces a new approach to determining the optimal location of DG for reducing line losses and improved voltage profile. A new cost modelling function based on external grid power transfer cost, technical losses and cost because of the various energies source is also introduced.